Wayne takes care of business in opener

OGDEN — Good baseball teams produce in opportunistic situations.

That was the mantra of No. 3 Wayne throughout the regular season, and the Badgers have extended that type of play into the playoffs.

Playing at fifth-ranked St. Joseph in the quarterfinals of the 1A baseball tournament, Wayne methodically broke down the Jayhawks en route to a 14-6 win Monday evening.

"I think that's been a key to our season so far — we've been a disciplined team," said Wayne coach Scott Ellett.

Wayne will next face rival Panguitch in Friday's semifinals at UVSC.

Realistically, the Badgers took control in the fourth inning, putting three runs across to take a 7-2 lead. Lance Peterson and Carson Bray began that frame with back-to-back doubles.

Bray finished 2-for-2 with three walks.

After St. Joseph — thanks to a two-run single by Sawyer Kenny — pulled back a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth, Wayne added two runs in the fifth and five in the sixth to permanently pull away.

Wayne catcher Tyce Peterson capped his squad's rally in the sixth inning, knocking a two-run double to center field. He went 3-for-5 with four RBIs.

Ace Jordan Ellett threw 5 2/3 innings to earn the win. Afterward, coach Ellett said he probably should've pulled Jordan after the fifth.

Pitchers can throw a maximum of 14 innings a week, and Jordan Ellett will only have eight innings of work available this weekend.

Coach Ellett said he hasn't decided who he'll start against top-ranked Panguitch in the semifinals.

Shortly after they got past St. Joseph, the Badgers started turning their attention to Friday's showdown. Panguitch and Wayne were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 throughout most of the regular season, and the two neighbors know each other very well.

"It's going to be a good game," said Ellett.

Unlike Wayne, there isn't really any question who will start on the mound for Panguitch. The Badgers made it past their opening game Monday without using ace Cameron Leach, and the standout will be available for 14 innings this weekend.

Still, Wayne thinks it can get to Leach.

"He's good, but I think we can catch up to his fastball," said Tyce Peterson.